The Route 66-themed welcome center on Interstate 44 near Conway, Mo., opened Monday morning. The Springfield News-Leader has details about the new facilities:
— Increased restroom facilities for men and for women along with separate family restrooms. The restrooms will feature automatic sinks and toilets to conserve water.
— Some 75 truck parking spaces on each side of I-44 — about triple the old capacity. Recycled asphalt was used for the car parking area.
— Picnic shelters with Route 66-related “storefronts,” including a barber shop and a diner.
— A playground with slides and climbing equipment. Padding under the playground equipment comes from ground up tires.
— A pet walk area with waste disposal containers.
— Better lighting for the parking lots and park area.
—1950s-era neon welcome signs.
— An information area with a Route 66 history display inside each main building near the restrooms and vending machines. The counter can be staffed to provide tourist information.
— Small wind turbines to power lights over the counters in the information areas.
— Ground source heat pump heating and air conditioning system and a modern wastewater treatment plant.
The article didn’t include photographs. However, this article from a month ago shows parts of the welcome center.
UPDATE: The Marshfield Mail has a number of photos from the event.